Everything
There we have it: Alessandro Michele, former head at Gucci, has been appointed as the new Creative Director of the renowned fashion house Valentino replacing Pierpaolo Piccioli, set to begin his tenure on Tuesday, 2 April, at the brand’s headquarters near the Spanish Steps in Rome. With an illustrious career, Michele is poised to bring a fresh vision to Valentino, starting with his first collection for the Spring/Summer 2025 season, which is eagerly anticipated to debut at Paris Fashion Week in September.
Michele expressed his excitement and the weight of responsibility he feels joining Valentino, saying “It’s an incredible honour…I feel the immense joy and the huge responsibility to join a Maison de Couture that has the word ‘beauty’ carved on a collective story made of distinctive elegance, refinement, and extreme grace.”
His appointment follows the sudden departure of Piccioli, who served as Valentino’s creative director for 25 years, leaving a legacy of innovation and vibrant collections that have become synonymous with the brand.
Before his new role at Valentino, Michele made a significant impact as the creative director at Gucci, where he was celebrated for his unique approach to fashion, incorporating elements of maximalism, gender-fluidity, and a distinctive aesthetic that resonated with celebrities like Harry Styles and Billie Eilish. His tenure at Gucci was marked by remarkable commercial success, nearly tripling the brand’s revenues. However, it was not without its controversies, including a significant backlash over a product that critics likened to blackface, prompting the company to withdraw it from sale.
Say what you want about his approach, Michele also helped redefine contemporary luxury. His work at Gucci was characterised by a departure from minimalism, embracing a more is more philosophy that garnered both acclaim and critique.
Valentino, under Michele’s creative leadership, is expected to embark on a new chapter that will blend the brand’s historical elegance with Michele’s innovative vision. The fashion community awaits Michele’s debut collection at Valentino, anticipating how his creative direction will shape the future of this iconic brand. It will also mark the first time Michele will work within a couture setting.
Michele’s move to Valentino leaves one rather glaring question unanswered: where will Piccioli head? Rumours are already swirling that the designer has been headhunted to move to Gucci, effectively a swapping of the guard, and replace the very recently appointed Sabato De Sarno whose collections, although lovely, have failed to spark sales. Recent reports have indicated as much as a 20 per cent decline at the house.
All eyes are watching…
